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So You Started that Workout Plan – Now What?

Happy New Year, luxurious lovelies! Did you start a new workout plan or exercise regime this week? Millions of people did just that, whether it involves going to a gym or yoga studio, getting outdoors to run, walk, ski or snowshoe or even staying in and using one of those seven-or eight-minute apps. If you’re not used to exercise—or if you are and have chosen to do something new or that requires more exertion—you will find one certain result: sore muscles. So now what?

The best remedy for those achey, sore muscles is to keep up that wonderful new habit of exercising, so you’re on the right track! But what happens when you’re too sore to work out? Of course, taking an anti-inflammatory or pain reliever will usually do the trick, but here are a few natural, organic, and also luxurious options, because that’s how we roll.

Drink plenty of water before, during and after intense exercise. This should go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway.

Warm up and cool down with appropriate light cardio and stretches to ease your body in and out of the stress of working out.

Eat something light that contains a decent amount of lean protein and complex carbohydrates within 45 minutes of working out. This will help provide your muscles with the nutrients necessary to recover.

Pour one to two cups of Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) and a few drops of lavender oil into a hot bath and soak for a few minutes. Why? Well, for one thing, hot baths feel good! Epsom salt dissolves in hot water, and when combined when the almost magical scent of lavender, relaxation comes easily.

Average Joes, athletes and arthritis sufferers alike swear by Epsom salt baths for muscle aches, though there’s little scientific proof that it actually reduces inflammation and pain. Sometimes you just know when a product works; this is one such product. It earns bonus points for its relative low cost and many uses. You can find it at almost any grocery or drug store.

Lavender oil, in addition to providing a deliciously relaxing scent, has a number of medicinal and cosmetic uses. It can reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and also reduce pain (if those sore muscles could talk, they’d surely thank you!) Lavender pairs perfectly with Epsom salt, especially for your evening post-workout soak.

Make an organic pain-relieving rub using five drops of rosemary oil, five drops of peppermint oil and one tablespoon of coconut or almond oil. Massage into sore muscles, or better yet, have a loved one do that for you! Rub any you have left into your scalp for added moisture and to stimulate hair growth.

New habits require follow through and follow up. Try these tips and remedies to give your new workout program a fighting chance.

*As always, we want you to prevent allergies or other issues by checking with your doctor, even though all these ingredients are completely natural.